EAST LANSING -- Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon voiced disappointment in proposed funding for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) that is substantially less than previously planned, saying it will extend the duration and cost of the project.

"Given the fact the Office of Science received a 2 percent increase over last year, we are very concerned that the nuclear physics program was cut 3.8 percent and the level of funding included in Department of Energy budget for FRIB was only $22 million, significantly below the agreed-upon budget of $55 million," Simon said in a statement.

"While we need to review the detailed budget to determine the precise impact this funding level will have on the project, it will inevitably prolong the timeline and increase costs."

The $550 million FRIB was awarded to MSU in 2008, bringing with it projections of more than $1 billion in economic activity for the Greater Lansing region over 20 years and creating 400 permanent jobs, not including construction.

The FRIB project will next go before the Department of Energy for a readiness review in April.

"We will continue to prepare for the April readiness review which remains an important part of the process," Simon said. "We will work with members of our congressional delegation who have been such staunch supporters of FRIB to keep this important project on track."